The Dow Gardens Canopy Walk is one of the most memorable experiences in Mid Michigan, giving visitors a rare chance to explore the forest from high above the ground. Located within Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens in Midland MI, this elevated trail stretches through towering pines and hardwoods, offering sweeping views and a fresh perspective on the natural landscape. As you step onto the walkway, leaving your comfort zone, your pulse may quicken slightly. The Dow Gardens Canopy Walk sways gently with visitors’ movement, echoing the natural rhythm of the wind moving through the trees.
A visit to the canopy walk is a great addition to any Mid-Michigan itinerary. Dow Gardens is filled with beautifully designed landscapes, seasonal flowers, and quiet garden paths. The Dow Gardens butterfly house is another way to engage with nature, while nearby Midland offers art centers, riverfront parks, and charming local restaurants. Just a short drive away, Bay City brings waterfront views, historic architecture, boutique shopping, and vibrant dining, perfect for those searching for things to do in Midland MI and along the Saginaw Bay.
After a day exploring the Whiting Forest and the surrounding attractions, the perfect ending awaits at Historic Webster House, known for its romantic atmosphere and elevated guest experience. Our beautifully restored mansion offers historic character with modern comfort, creating an intimate setting for couples looking to reconnect. Guests enjoy three-course gourmet breakfasts each morning, personalized hospitality, and access to a private spa room designed for relaxation. For those planning a visit to the Dow Gardens Canopy Walk, our Michigan Bed and Breakfast near Midland offers an unforgettable place to stay nearby. Book your stay today!
Explore the Dow Gardens Canopy Walk
Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan, is much more than a traditional botanical garden. Here, history and horticulture come together on more than 110 acres of landscapes. The grounds date back to 1899, when Dow Chemical founder Herbert H. Dow and his wife, Grace, established their family home and surrounding gardens. Today, the property includes vibrant seasonal displays, water features, sweeping lawns, and over three miles of ADA accessible pathways that guide visitors through the carefully designed environment.
Each spring, the gardens burst with color as more than 22,000 bulbs bloom, followed by over 35,000 annual flowers that carry the display through the warmer months. The gardens are home to The Pines, the residence where the Dow family once lived, which is designated a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours and seasonal programs offer a look into the life of the Dows, while concerts and special events throughout the year bring the property to life. In the winter, the gardens glow with holiday luminary-lit trails and carolers.
Within the grounds, Whiting Forest, “a forest like no other”, offers one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the region. The Dow Gardens Canopy Walk is the nation’s longest, at 0.25 miles. The elevated pathway rises up over 40 feet above the forest floor, built to the barrier-free standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project represents the largest development undertaken by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, designed with clear goals in mind: to encourage social interaction, to engage with nature, and to offer a sense of perceived risk for all visitors.
Three unique arms extend from the canopy walk, each offering a different view of the landscape below. The Spruce Arm features a tree-supported cargo net where visitors can climb out or dive into, looking down at the branches below. The Pond Arm provides peaceful overlooks from which guests can watch ducks gliding across the water in spring or admire the reflections of brilliant fall foliage. The Orchard Arm overlooks a re-established orchard where Herbert Dow once tended his fruit trees, now filled with heritage varieties and young saplings that continue the tradition.
The Whiting Forest of the Gardens welcomes guests to relax and spend time in the landscape. Picnics are welcome, and many visitors enjoy stopping by the Whiting Forest Cafe for a hot cocoa before continuing their walk on over 1.5 miles of trails. The visitor center itself is located in the former home of the Whiting family, including the Dow’s great-grandson, Mike Whiting, the foundation president.
In addition to the Dow Gardens Canopy Walk, the gardens continue to offer seasonal exhibits and educational programs throughout the year. The Dow Gardens butterfly house becomes a tropical environment during the popular Butterflies in Bloom exhibit, where colorful butterflies from around the world fill the conservatory with movement and color.
Guests can also experience art installations such as Nature, Energy, and Reflection by Great Lakes Basin ceramic artist Helen Hierta, which invites visitors to consider the relationship among nature, breath, and community through peaceful guided meditation and sculpture. Guests can explore quiet woodland paths, cross charming pedestrian bridges, browse unique Michigan-made gifts in the garden shop, or relax at the on-site café while taking in views of the surrounding landscapes.
Looking ahead, families visiting the Whiting Forest canopy walk in summer 2026 will encounter Dinosaurs Around the World, a display of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs placed throughout the gardens and forest. With special classes on gardening, composting, and seed saving, along with seasonal events like the Mother’s Day Tea inside the historic Pines home, Dow Gardens continues to be recognized as one of the most beautiful things to do in Midland MI for visitors of all interests.
Romantic Retreat at our Bed and Breakfast near Midland
After a day spent exploring the Dow Gardens Canopy Walk, returning to our Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect change of atmosphere. Our Bed and Breakfast near Midland invites guests to enjoy a romantic setting inside a beautifully restored historic mansion in nearby Bay City. Our property is known for its elevated approach to hospitality, where thoughtful details and personalized service create an experience that is far more intimate than a typical hotel stay. Couples begin their morning with a three-course gourmet breakfast before heading off to explore the region.
One of the features that truly sets our Michigan Bed and Breakfast apart is its private spa room. This exclusive amenity allows guests to unwind with a relaxing soak. We also offer thoughtfully curated packages and specials that make celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or spontaneous escape even more memorable. From romance packages that include champagne, flowers, and indulgent treats waiting in the room, to spa-focused stays that combine massage and quiet time together, each option is designed to help you pamper your special person.
Staying at our Bed and Breakfast near Midland also places guests close to some of the region’s most interesting destinations, including Dow Gardens Canopy Walk. After experiencing the forest from 40 feet above the ground or strolling through colorful gardens, guests can return to the comfort of our Michigan Bed and Breakfast, where attentive hospitality and peaceful surroundings create the ideal ending to the day. For couples planning a visit to the Dow Gardens Canopy Walk, our romantic Bay City retreat offers the perfect home base for an unforgettable Mid Michigan getaway. Reserve your room now!
